Putting the Spotlight Back on Talented Musicians at YHS

Julia: Hi! My name is Julia Whalen and I am a Senior at the High School. I started playing flute in 1st grade, and I joined the school band program in 8th grade. 

How did you know when you were interested in playing the flute? 

Julia: My parents wanted me to learn an instrument from a young age because they never got the chance to, so I grew up taking private flute lessons. I joined the school band because I hoped to participate in All-County. From the first rehearsal, I immediately knew that playing the flute and participating in musical ensembles would be an important part of my future. 

What was one of your favorite pieces you’ve played in band/ or on your own? 

Julia: In 10th grade, I was Flute 1 Chair 1 when we played an amazing piece in Wind Ensemble – excerpts from The Lord of the Rings by De Meij, a symphony inspired by the classic book series. Even beyond my love for Tolkien’s books, the various movements of the song were incredibly beautiful and evocative, and I loved my part as a flute. I have many great memories of working to perfect the artistic side of this piece.

What was your favorite memory from the band during high school?  

Julia: My favorite memories from the band were created at each annual Swing Dance Concert. I had so much fun learning swing dances remotely in 9th grade and experimenting with a style of music totally new to me, and made so many memories with my friends at all the consecutive dances. They have encouraged me to listen to more jazz and swing music, as well as to step outside my comfort zone and try things – like dancing or improvising – that I never would have done otherwise. 

Annabelle: Hello! My name is Annabelle Newberger and I am a  Senior at the High School. I’m part of the chamber choir at YHS. 

When did you start your music career/ singing?
Annabelle: I started my singing “career” at age two, belting “Tomorrow” from Annie and “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. My dad liked to film these performances and post them all over social media. It was an old DVD of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, though, that inspired my passion for Broadway. I played that DVD on loop, singing “Close Every Door” over and over again. By the time I turned three, I’m pretty sure my whole family could quote the movie word for word. 

What was your favorite memory from singing/choir during high school? 

Annabelle: My favorite memory of singing during high school was definitely two years ago, when I was asked to perform the National Anthem and God Bless America at a Hudson Renegades baseball game. Getting to sing in an arena full of people and see myself on a Jumbotron was such a unique and incredible experience.

Do you feel like music has helped you in other aspects of your life? 

Annabelle: Music has definitely helped me in other aspects of my life. It helped me find my community, it let me share my passion with those around me, and it taught me that practice and hard work pay off. Performing on stage translated into confidence in public speaking, being comfortable in front of others, and trusting my gut. I plan to continue singing and performing at Cornell next year as a part of one of their choirs or the Melodramatics, the theater group on campus.

Thomas: Hi, my name is Thomas Karintholil and I am a senior at YHS. I am a part of the concert orchestra at our school. 

What instrument do you play and how did you know you wanted to play music? 

Thomas: I play the violin, which I started in 4th grade. I knew that I wanted to play it when my dad introduced me to classical violin when I was younger. Some of the musicians that he introduced me to were Chopin and Bach. One of my favorite pieces to play is Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor. 

What is one of you favorite memories from Orchestra? 

Thomas: The DC trip from from last year with the seniors who have graduated already. I really liked hanging with my friends and developing connections with everyone in the orchestra. I think playing difficult music with everyone and having fun while doing so is also a large part of what makes Orchestra so memorable. 

What do you do outside of school that involves orchestra, for example, competitions or other music groups outside of concert orchestra?

Thomas: I play with the Fordham University Symphony Orchestra. I got accepted into a program that allows me to play at Carnegie Hall. I am also part of Area All-State.